PACERS

CVX Half Marathon Official Pacers will be available in the staging area on Saturday, June 25 holding large signs with the finish time they will be running. They will be wearing brightly-colored shirts. Pacing will be available for those running miles in the following minute time frames: Marathon / Half Marathon (pace per mile)1:37 (7:26 mile) ---- 1:45 (8:00 mile) ---- 1:50 (8:23 mile)----- 2:00 (9:09 mile) 2:15 (10:18 mile) ------2:30 (11:26 mile) -----2:45 (12:35 mile)

Participants do not need to pre-register to run with an Official Pacer. If you have questions, please see our contact page.

2016 PACE TEAM - HALF MARATHON

1:37 PACE TEAM (7:26 / MILE)

Shay Ostyn - Grant, MI

Hi everybody... I'm Shay Ostyn, a 21 year old college student from Grant, Michigan! I'm fairly new to the whole running world compared to a lot of other pacers but I've been catching on quick! I first tried running cross country my senior year of high school on a bet and it turned into one of the greatest things that has happened to me.

After high school I earned a scholarship to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Aquinas College boasts one of the best men's cross country teams in the nations having won 15 of the last 17 WHAC conference championships and has been in the top 25 nationally since 2001. In college I started to get an appreciation for long distance running. I have run 10k's, 15k's, and 25k's. I have only run 1 marathon so far (see picture above) but I am training to be competitive at the 50k on a national level.. Hopefully this summer!​I love pacing because I can attribute many of my long distance PRs to people pacing me out as well! I am extremely honored to have the privilege of pacing this half marathon and I hope to see everyone out there!

Benham Kamrani - Ann Arbor, MI

I was born and raised in Zagrous Mountains in western Iran, where is unofficially part of Kurdistan too.

I started middle distance running back in university days in 1998 and gradually became interested in longer distances.

I have finished most my races regardless of circumstances (zero DNF).

1:45 Pace Team (8:00 / mile)

OPENING!!E-mail the pace director if you are interested in pacing!!!​

OPENING!!E-mail the pace director if you are interested in pacing!!!​

2:00 pace team (9:09 / mile)

OPENING!!E-mail the pace director if you are interested in pacing!!!​

​Ken Deback - Grand Rapids, MI

My first race was the first River Bank run in 1978. I have run a multitude of races since then. I volunteered at a race for the first time in 2002. This experience gave me a whole new perspective. I stated pacing in 2006 and have been a pacer for the marathon, the half marathon, and the River Bank Run. ​

2:15 pace team (10:18 / mile)

Nancy Wooley - Holland, Michigan​I ran track in high school, but did not venture into distance running until 2007. After completing a ‘couch to 5K’ program, I started running with several different running groups, and have now completed over 20 marathons, and numerous 25Ks, half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks.

Quite often, I choose my races based on the ‘fun factor’, but the times when I have been serious and run to achieve a certain goal, I have been fortunate to have always had at least one awesome running partner by my side to help me get there. I became inspired by their willingness to assist me in reaching my goals, and decided that I wanted the rewarding experience of helping others, too.

​I have paced the Grand Rapids Marathon and Riverbank 25K several times and am very excited to pace in beautiful Charlevoix with my bestest running buddy, Carol! I look forward to sharing your smiles, hugs and tears of joy at the finish line.

Carol Neckel - Holland, Michigan

​Hi. I'm very excited to be pacing the Charlevoix Half Marathon this year and I can't wait to help everyone reach their 2:15 goal. Charlevoix is a gorgeous city and it's where I achieved my marathon PR of 4:00:04. I know right, I couldn't of run 5 seconds faster!?!

Running is my addiction and I've run everything between a 5K and a 50 miler. I've successfully paced at the Grand Rapids Marathon several times with my BFF Nancy and we're here to do it again in Charlevoix.

2:30 pace team (11:26 / mile)

Kelly Machiorlatti - Grand Rapids, MI

Kelly started running distance races in 1999 after being spurred on by a friend to do Chicago marathon. From there she caught the competitive bug and began participating in triathlons and trail races to add some spice to her running fun. She has paced several half marathons and one marathon and loves helping people achieve their goals.

​She lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her two active dogs and works as a health and wellness coach. She believes exercise saves lives ... and sanity, and makes a better world. Healthy body, healthy mind, happy people…better world!

Andie Ruhling - Grand Rapids, MI​Although I began running track and cross country in school, it was not until much later in life that I found myself through running. I have completed five full marathons, numerous half marathons and 25K, along with the occasional 5K and 10k. Running is so much more than a physical activity for me; it calms the soul, focuses the mind, and exhausts the body. My ability to persevere through all life's obstacles is a direct result of my running.

Being a pacer is a perfect fit for me. I have a non-competitive spirit and derive great satisfaction helping others achieve their goals. As in life, when you help others and put their needs before your own, you find your troubles and discomforts seem to fade into the background. I believe the best way to a happy life is through the giving of one's self.

Melissa Jachim - Grand Rapids, MI

Hey All! My name is Melissa and I'm a running addict. I've been running for quite a long time but it wasn't until my running partner and best friend put her arm around me and said, "7 more miles to a half." Needless to say I wanted to punch her as I finished my first 10k race. I completed my first half marathon 6 months later in 2011. Good running partners do that... they get you to the end.

Two things I learned that race. I wanted to run distance and I like having a good running partner. I pretty much live in the world of pacing and it all started with Gazelle Girl 2013. I cannot wait to be a part of such an amazing race as this! and trust me... I don't run out of things to say.

I've recently completed my second Full Marathon in the summer of 2015 and look forward to adding medal number three this summer.

2:45 pace team (12:35 / mile)

Christina Fong - Grand Rapids, MI

I am a professional musician. Music is my life, my work and my passion. Running has helped me remain fit and meet the physical demands and endurance that is required for my work as a musician. I have been running now for nearly 20 years. I have run over a dozen marathons, and numerous other 5ks, 10ks and half marathons.

To me pacing is a lot more rewarding than racing. I have been a moderately competetive runner. I will never be a fast or great runner, but I love the sport and what it has to offer. It was once important to me to meet my speed and distance goals, but now it is far more important for me to help others meet their goals.​

Leslie Kelpsch - Grandville, MIHello Runners! I'm very excited to be able to pace the Charlevoix Half Marathon this year.

I started running in junior high and remember doing my first race and swore I would never run again, fast foward many years and here I am still running. I ran in high school and like many others took a break from it when I went to college, gained weight and found every excuse not to run.

After moving to Chicago, I found my love for running again. I joined Dick Pond Fast Track Racing Team and as they say the rest is history. While with this team I've paced many half marathons ranging from the 2:10 pace group to 2:45. I love being able to help others reach their goals, whether it be just to finish or get their person best!

Good luck to everyone running, I look forward to pacing you!!​

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